The 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup is coming, and cricket fans are preparing for great action. This World Cup will be in India from 5 October to 19 November 2023. India won when they last hosted the World Cup in 2011, but this time, England is coming in as the champions from the last World Cup. Ten teams will be playing, and everyone hopes to see close and exciting matches like the previous edition.
For those who like to bet on the games, there’s a lot to look forward to. Many are waiting to see which team will come out on top. Betting fans who are interested in placing bets on the tournament, they are many online sports betting sites that are offering betting markets on the event, in what is expected to be popular amongst sports fans.
Here are five cricketers who, based on recent form and records, are poised to set the stage on fire in this grand cricketing carnival.
Shubman Gill: The Rising Star for India
Shubman Gill’s meteoric rise in international cricket is evident. With a commanding double-century against New Zealand this year, he has staked his claim as one of India’s top batters. In just 15 matches in 2023, he has already amassed 885 runs, including three centuries and four half-centuries, at a commendable average of 68.
Opting for youth, the Indian team management has chosen Gill over veteran Shikhar Dhawan to open the innings. In doing so, Gill has repaid their trust, accumulating 1311 runs in 24 ODIs at a notable strike rate of 107.10.
Babar Azam: Pakistan’s Batting Maestro
Babar Azam, the top ODI batsman for the past two years, consistently showcases his immense talent. Since his ODI debut in May 2015, Azam has become the backbone of Pakistan’s batting lineup.
From 8 World Cup matches, he’s piled up 474 runs, with an exceptionally memorable century against New Zealand in 2019. Having averaged 54.30 from 15 matches this year, Babar is undoubtedly a player to monitor closely.
Travis Head: Australia’s Fearless Opener
With the void left by Aaron Finch’s retirement, Travis Head has stepped up for Australia. Previously not a regular opener between 2018 and 2022, Head has taken to the role brilliantly since, gathering 1109 runs from 23 innings with an average of 50.40.
His attacking gameplay and ability to handle pressure situations have made him a force to reckon with at the top of the order.
Devon Conway: New Zealand’s Dependable Batsman
Devon Conway might have debuted in international cricket in 2020 but has established himself as a significant presence in New Zealand’s batting lineup.
In ODIs, he’s piled up 844 runs across 18 innings, with a noteworthy performance this year, scoring 419 runs at an average of 69.83. Conway’s unique strength lies in his adaptability, which allows him to score in challenging conditions across the globe.
Naseem Shah: Pakistan’s Young Pace Sensation
Despite being just 20 years old, Naseem Shah is making waves in international cricket. With 32 wickets from only 13 ODIs, he’s rapidly becoming Pakistan’s most dependable bowler.
His exceptional spell in the T20 World Cup final against seasoned players like Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes solidified his reputation. His consistency and ability to swing the ball both ways make him a significant threat to opposition batters.
Final Thoughts
While the players above are sure to grab headlines during the World Cup, several other talents from different teams might rise to the occasion. Among them, Towhid Hridoy from Bangladesh, Wanindu Hasaranga from Sri Lanka, Sam Curran from England, Aiden Markram from South Africa, and Bas de Leede from the Netherlands are potential game-changers to watch.